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Born Survivors summary
Brief summary
Born Survivors tells the incredible true story of three pregnant women who endured the horrors of the Holocaust and gave birth in the most unlikely of circumstances. Their resilience and determination to protect their newborns against all odds is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
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Born Survivors
Summary of key ideas
Three Women, Three Miracles
In Born Survivors, Wendy Holden narrates the incredible stories of three women, Priska, Rachel, and Anka, who were all pregnant when they were taken to Auschwitz during the Holocaust. Despite the unimaginable horrors they faced, these women managed to keep their pregnancies a secret and gave birth to their babies under the most harrowing of circumstances.
Priska and Rachel, both from Slovakia, met in Auschwitz, unaware that they were both pregnant. Priska gave birth to a son, whom she named Hana, in the camp, while Rachel delivered a daughter, whom she named Hana, on a train to another camp. Anka, a Czech, gave birth to a son, whom she named Hana, at the gates of Mauthausen concentration camp. The birth of these babies became a symbol of hope and life amidst the death and despair of the concentration camps.
The Mothers’ Sacrifices
The three women's experiences were horrific. They suffered starvation, brutal labor, and the constant fear of being discovered. They witnessed unimaginable atrocities, including mass killings and inhumane medical experiments. Despite these conditions, Priska, Rachel, and Anka fought to keep their babies alive, often risking their own lives to do so. They shared their meager rations, breastfed their babies in secret, and shielded them from the harsh realities of the camps as much as they could.
Throughout their ordeal, the women clung to the hope that they and their children would survive the war. They believed in a future where they could be reunited with their husbands and live in peace. Their determination and resilience were nothing short of extraordinary, and their sacrifices for their children were unparalleled.
The End of the War and New Beginnings
As the war drew to a close, the women and their babies were forced on a death march to Mauthausen, a camp in Austria. They endured this final test of survival, and miraculously, all six of them made it through. Mauthausen was liberated by American forces, and the three women and their babies were finally free.
After the war, the women faced the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. They searched for their husbands, who, tragically, did not survive. They navigated the challenges of displacement and the psychological scars of their experiences. Despite these difficulties, they remained fiercely devoted to their children, determined to provide them with a better future.
The Unbreakable Bond
Throughout the book, Holden emphasizes the incredible bond between the three women and their children. The babies, named Hana, formed a unique connection, born under the most extraordinary circumstances. The women's shared experiences in the camps forged a deep and unbreakable bond between them, a bond that would continue long after the war.
In conclusion, Born Survivors is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. It is a story of survival, resilience, and the enduring power of maternal love. The book serves as a tribute to Priska, Rachel, and Anka, who defied the odds to bring their babies into a world filled with unspeakable horrors, and to the babies, who grew up to honor their mothers' incredible sacrifices.
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What is Born Survivors about?
Born Survivors by Wendy Holden tells the incredible true story of three pregnant women who, against all odds, managed to survive the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp during World War II. Through meticulous research and interviews with the survivors and their families, Holden brings to light the extraordinary resilience and determination of these women as they fought to protect their unborn children and ultimately, defy the odds and live to tell their tale.
Born Survivors Review
Born Survivors (2015) tells the gripping true story of three pregnant women who survived the horrors of Auschwitz. Here's why this book is a compelling read:
- It showcases the astonishing strength and resilience of these women and their will to protect their unborn children against all odds.
- The book offers a unique perspective on the Holocaust through the untold stories of these women, adding a fresh and emotional layer to history.
- With its powerful narratives and moments of hope amidst despair, the book keeps readers engaged and invested in the survival tales.
Who should read Born Survivors?
Readers interested in World War II history and the Holocaust
Those who enjoy true stories of resilience and survival
People looking to gain a deeper understanding of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity
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Born Survivors FAQs
What is the main message of Born Survivors?
The main message of Born Survivors is the incredible resilience and courage of three mothers and their newborns in the face of unimaginable adversity.
How long does it take to read Born Survivors?
The estimated reading time for Born Survivors is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Born Survivors a good book? Is it worth reading?
Born Survivors is worth reading for its inspiring true story of survival, strength, and maternal love.
Who is the author of Born Survivors?
Wendy Holden is the author of Born Survivors.
What to read after Born Survivors?
If you're wondering what to read next after Born Survivors, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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